How to Find an Estate Planning Attorney

An estate planning attorney helps you make arrangements to ensure that your assets are passed down in a way that meets your goals. A will is a central part of this process, but trusts and beneficiary designations are also important tools that can help you address your wishes while you’re still alive.

When looking for an estate planning attorney, you’ll want to consider their education and experience, as well as how they will charge for their services. Some attorneys have fixed fees, while others will require a retainer before beginning work and will then bill you for time spent on your case. You should also be aware that different states have their own rules about how attorneys must handle their work and what documentation they must provide to clients.

The best estate planning attorneys will take the time to understand your family and financial situation, as well as your goals. They will work with you and your other advisers to draft a plan that will meet your objectives, while also minimizing tax consequences. They may also use sophisticated strategies to protect your property, such as gifting and dynasty trusts.

Another thing to look for in an estate planning attorney is whether or not they are certified as a specialist in their field. These certifications may not be necessary, but can indicate an attorney’s level of expertise. Some attorney also choose to obtain additional credentials, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This can be an indicator of their ability to deal with complex legal matters and provide the highest level of service.

Aside from being knowledgeable and experienced, an estate planning attorney should be someone you feel comfortable working with. After all, you will be sharing some very personal and emotional information with them, including your final wishes. You’ll also need to disclose a lot of financial and medical information, so it’s important to find an attorney who puts you at ease.

While it’s important to consider an attorney’s education and experience, you should also focus on how they will communicate with you throughout the process. An effective estate planning attorney will be transparent about their fees and costs, as well as the timeline for completing the work. They will also explain all of your options so that you can make the best decision for you and your family.

To get started, browse FindLaw’s extensive lawyer directory to view more than one million listings spanning over 100 practice areas. You can filter your search by location and specialty, as well as review detailed law firm profiles to see what their clients are saying about them. When you find a New York, NY estate planning attorney that matches your needs, contact them directly to discuss your case. In most cases, you can get a free consultation to determine how they can help you.

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Long Beach, CA, 90807
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